Commercial Operations Manager

JOB TITLE: Commercial Operations Manager

DEPARTMENT: Sponsorship

LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, London

CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time

JOB FUNCTION: To support the Commercial Sales function in delivering exceptional, bespoke experiences for prospective commercial partners. The role will play an integral part in the sponsorship-sales process – leading on logistics, creating personalised hosting moments, and ensuring a premium brand experience for decision-makers from target companies. The role will think strategically on how to elevate bespoke experiences, as well as lead internal scheduling and logistics, liaise with key suppliers, oversee briefing profiles on attendees, and lead on gifting and hospitality that elevates sponsorship conversations. The role will also be required to manage at least one direct report fostering a culture of excellence and meticulous attention to detail, within the Commercial Operations team

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation and delivery of standout experiences for prospective partners across Stamford Bridge, Cobham, and international markets
• Create thoughtfully designed itineraries, matchday experiences, and interactions that bring Chelsea FC’s proposition to life in a tangible and memorable way
• Lead and strategically develop all prospect-facing touchpoints, including invitations, gifting, and hosting, ensuring every detail reflects a premium, considered, and differentiated approach
• Lead on the maintenance of the VIP gifting catalogue ensuring appropriate stock levels, presentation quality, and cost control, whilst also maintaining and developing relationship with existing/new premium suppliers
• Oversee management of guest lists, hospitality invitations and ticketing for prospective partners; ensuring accuracy of attendee details, job titles, and preferences
• Regularly audit global luxury trends and competitor hospitality to ensure Chelsea FC remains at the forefront of bespoke sponsorship experiences
• Oversee the preparation of attendee profiles ahead of matchdays and partner visits, summarising who should attend, their relationship to Chelsea, and relevant brand or personal insights to inform senior executive hosting
• Oversee the coordination of travel and accommodation (domestic and international) for client visits, sponsorship meetings, and brand activations on behalf of the sales team
• Raise purchase orders, manage supplier invoicing, and process expenses on behalf of the sales team in accordance with club policy

Measures of Performance

• Delivery of outstanding, consistent VIP experiences that strengthen relationships with senior brand stakeholders and positively influence sponsorship outcomes
• Smooth execution of all sponsorship-related logistics, with zero errors in guest details, travel arrangements or scheduling
• Positive feedback from hosted brands, partners, and internal stakeholders
• Build strong alignment with commercial sales leadership, contributing meaningfully to the winning of high-value partnerships

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven experience within a sports right holder, brand or agency environment
• Experience leading VIP or executive-level events
• Background in sales support, sponsorship, or client service within a high-performance commercial team
• Experience managing a team or individuals

Skills and Behaviours

• Highly organised and adaptable, able to manage multiple workflows and projects simultaneously
• Meticulous attention to detail and pride in presentation standards
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work across multiple teams to bring ideas from concept to reality
• Creative and resourceful in designing bespoke client experiences and gifting solutions
• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to influence senior stakeholders and represent Chelsea FC externally
• Calm and solution-oriented under pressure, with strong follow-through
• Upholds confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism at all times

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (+ Bank Holidays) After three years’ service, AL days increase to 28.
• Pension Contribution (5%)
• Life Assurance (4 x base salary)
• Private healthcare through Vitality
• C2W (Cycle to Work scheme)
• Chelsea Ticket Membership Program – enables employees to purchase tickets for home games 49 days prior to the match
• Free staff lunches at Stamford Bridge (Mon-Fri)
• Discount on club and club-affiliated products (Megastore, Nike 25% discount, Stadium Tours, onsite bar/restaurant etc)
• Employee Assistance Program, Mental Health first aiders and a strong well-being community

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.